It seems that there has never been a better time to try and reduce personal stress and one way to do this is by being mindful.
Modern-day mindful meditation
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an adaptation of the Buddhist practice of mindfulness meditation, for modern-day health care.
It has been linked with a reduction in anxiety, depression, stress, irritability and exhaustion, as well as improvements in general mood, concentration, focus, emotional stability and even sleeping patterns.
Jon Kabat-Zinn defines MBSR as paying attention on purpose (with intention), in the present, without being judgmental. Others have described mindfulness as being aware, in the present, non-judgmentally.
In other words, it involves the deliberate intention of paying attention at any given time, whether that is during meditation or in the rituals of daily life. You could do it while sitting in traffic, waiting in a checkout line or preparing a meal.
It includes the attempt to remain aware and focused on that current experience, both physically and emotionally - without judging the experience. The emphasis is on remaining in the present, wherever that happens to be and whatever you may be experiencing.
Remain in the present
When we remain focused on the here and now, we have a realistic awareness of what is happening NOW and this helps us to respond to that specific situation, instead of being influenced by past experiences or future projections.
Too often, our responses to current situations are coloured by past memories or future fears. An emphasis on ‘what if’ thinking can lead to catastrophising and a huge fear reaction, based on what MIGHT (or usually, might not) actually happen.
In practice, for example, I often observe massive anxiety from parents who worry in a vicious cycle about what might happen if they get sick with a dread disease, and their children grow up without a mother or father. Or what might happen if the economy goes to wrack and ruin.
But the reality is these people are usually not currently sick, nor are they currently facing financial ruin. Catastrophising can transform a normal degree of concern into crippling anxiety.
Similarly, ruminating about the past can be just as dangerous, as it prevents you from living in the present. People who focus on the past tend to idealise ‘the good old days’, making it difficult to notice or acknowledge positive happenings in the present. This pattern of thinking can then quite easily result in depression.
Too often, our responses to current situations are coloured by past memories or future fears. An emphasis on ‘what if’ thinking can lead to catastrophising and a huge fear reaction, based on what MIGHT (or usually, might not) actually happen.
In practice, for example, I often observe massive anxiety from parents who worry in a vicious cycle about what might happen if they get sick with a dread disease, and their children grow up without a mother or father. Or what might happen if the economy goes to wrack and ruin.
But the reality is these people are usually not currently sick, nor are they currently facing financial ruin. Catastrophising can transform a normal degree of concern into crippling anxiety.
Similarly, ruminating about the past can be just as dangerous, as it prevents you from living in the present. People who focus on the past tend to idealise ‘the good old days’, making it difficult to notice or acknowledge positive happenings in the present. This pattern of thinking can then quite easily result in depression.
